> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.magicfox.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Equipment for MainStage

In order to use MainStage, you'll need the following gear:

### <Icon icon="square" />  **Keyboard**

Most professional keyboards with MIDI will work with MainStage. We recommend using a keyboard with 88 keys, 5-pin MIDI, and inputs for a patch advance footswitch and expression pedal. [Click here to read more](/articles/choosing-a-keyboard) about choosing the right keyboard.

### <Icon icon="square" />  **Pedals**

Your keyboard likely comes with a sustain pedal, but a footswitch for advancing patches and an expression pedal are extremely helpful, and in most cases, practically necessary. [Click here to read more](/articles/pedals-for-mainstage) about pedals.

### <Icon icon="square" />  **Macintosh computer**

Each player will need a dedicated computer. We recommend a MacBook Pro or Mac Mini, 16 GB of RAM, and plenty of hard drive space. You can purchase and download [MainStage](https://www.apple.com/mainstage/) from the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mainstage/id634159523?mt=12). [Click here to read more](/articles/choosing-a-computer) about choosing the right computer.

### <Icon icon="square" />  **Audio interface**

An audio interface is a device that connects your computer to the sound system. In an ideal setup, it also handles the MIDI between your keyboard and computer. [Click here to read more](/articles/why-use-an-audio-interface) about audio interfaces.

### <Icon icon="square" />  Cables

The specific cables you need will depend on your setup, but most people need a [5-pin MIDI](/articles/usb-or-midi-cable) cable and 1⁄4” audio instrument cables. It's a good idea to have spares.

<Warning>
  Use a USB cable no longer than 6 feet (≈2 m) when connecting your computer to your audio interface. Longer cables are much more likely to suffer from signal loss or external interference, which can cause dropped notes, audio glitches, or unexpected disconnections during performance.
</Warning>

### <Icon icon="square" />  **Power strip with surge protector**

You need mutliple receptacles to power your computer and keyboard, so try to use one with surge protection.

<Info>
  We recommend using a [UPS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uninterruptible_power_supply) whenever possible.
</Info>

### <Icon icon="square" />  Keyboard amp or monitor speakers

This will depend entirely on the show's orchestration, your venue and setup, and how the other musicians are (or aren't) amplified. Consult with your sound team to determine what equipment you may need.